Quetta, Pakistan – A recent incident on Quetta Airport Road has left the city in a state of shock after a rickshaw driver allegedly set his vehicle on fire, sparking a heated debate over the circumstances surrounding the event. The rickshaw driver, who has been taken into custody, claims that traffic police officials were extorting money from him, prompting him to take drastic action.
In a contradictory statement, SP Traffic Quetta Asim Shah revealed that the rickshaw driver has been moved to a safe location and is currently under investigation. Shah also added that the Commissioner Quetta has issued orders to apprehend illegal loaders and rickshaws operating in the city.
Meanwhile, a 25-year-old youth lost his life in a robbery attempt turned violent in Karachi’s Mahmoodabad Kashmir Colony after the victim resisted the robbers. In another incident, a bus accident in Chakwal’s Thal Gang area resulted in the deaths of five people, while 27 others were left injured.
In a significant crackdown, the Peshawar Police launched a massive operation against land mafia, usurers, and robbers. The Sindh High Court issued a stay order on the ownership of the Cotton Exchange Building, while the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has declared several power stations and companies as non-compliant with safety standards.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Russia, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, met with Vice Chairman of the Russian Government and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ishaq Dar, in a bid to strengthen bilateral ties. PTI Senator, Barrister Ali Zafar, expressed skepticism about the possibility of negotiations between the government and opposition parties, stating that the current environment does not seem conducive to talks.
The Awami National Party (ANP) leader and former Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Amir Haider Khan Hoti, emphasized the importance of introspection and dialogue in resolving the ongoing conflict. In a separate development, the Election Tribunal in Peshawar dismissed the election plea of PTI candidate, Taimoor Saleem Jhagda.
In a move to boost economic growth, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has given approval to operate Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad airports on an autonomous basis. The upcoming elections are expected to witness a fierce competition between two rival groups, with the most intense contest expected to take place over a professor’s seat.
PTI Chairman, Barrister Gohar Khan, expressed his skepticism about the possibility of negotiations between the government and opposition parties, stating that it was too late to negotiate with just five major parties. Meanwhile, Defense Minister, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, claimed that Pakistan’s aircraft are now being used for “war games” with India, and the country is receiving so many orders that it may not need IMF assistance within six months.
According to reports, Russia has sent anti-submarine ships and other vessels to protect its oil tankers in the region. In another development, the Indian media reported that the International Cricket Council (ICC) has rejected Bangladesh’s request to shift the T20 World Cup matches from India.
The Saudi-led coalition issued a statement, confirming that Saudi Arabia’s Prince Abdullah bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud did not board the plane to Riyadh.
